Do You Have To Shave Your Head For Scalp Micropigmentation? Unveiling the Versatility of Scalp Micropigmentation

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) has become one of the most effective hair loss solutions for men and women alike. Whether you’re experiencing pattern baldness, thinning hair, or patchy hair loss, SMP offers a non-invasive, long-lasting, and natural-looking solution.

However, one of the most common questions we get at Foli Sim is – Do you have to shave your head for scalp micropigmentation?

The short answer? Not always.

While some clients benefit from shaving their heads before the procedure, others can have SMP blended seamlessly into their existing hair.
We’ll explore when shaving is necessary, when it isn’t, and answer all your top FAQs about SMP.

How does scalp micropigmentation work?

Before diving into the shaving debate, let’s quickly recap how SMP works.

Scalp Micropigmentation is a non-surgical treatment that uses microneedles to deposit pigment into the scalp, replicating the look of tiny hair follicles. The result? A natural, fuller-looking head of hair that can mimic a freshly shaved buzz cut or create the illusion of thicker hair.

SMP is popular because it’s:

• Non-invasive – No surgery, no downtime
• Long-lasting – Results can last up to 5 years with proper care
• Customisable – Works for different hair loss types and styles
• Suitable for men and women

Do I have to shave my head before SMP?

The need to shave your head depends on your desired look and current hair loss pattern. Here’s when you might need to shave and when you don’t:

When you should shave your head for SMP

You’ll likely need to shave your head if:

• You’re experiencing advanced hair loss – If you have extensive balding (Norwood scale 5-7), a shaved look will create a more natural, uniform appearance.
• You want the ‘buzz cut’ look – Many men choose SMP to replicate the appearance of a closely shaved head. In this case, shaving is essential to achieving a natural, even finish.
• You have patchy or uneven hair loss – If your hair loss is irregular, shaving can help blend the SMP treatment evenly across your scalp.

To read more: 5 Steps To Prepare For Scalp Micropigmentation

When you don’t need to shave your head for SMP

You don’t have to shave your head if:

• You have thinning hair – SMP can be applied between existing hair strands to create the illusion of greater density.
• You have female pattern hair loss – Women typically don’t need to shave their heads, as SMP is used to add depth and volume in thinning areas.
• You’re only getting a scar camouflage – If you’re using SMP to hide scars (such as from hair transplants), shaving is usually unnecessary.

Ultimately, a consultation with an experienced SMP practitioner will determine whether you should shave your head before treatment.

When should you shave your head?

If your practitioner advises shaving, it’s best to do so the night before or the morning of your appointment using clippers (no razor). This allows your SMP artist to work with a consistent and even surface.

Shaving too far in advance may cause stubble growth, which can impact the precision of the treatment.

How to do scalp micropigmentation?

SMP is a specialised procedure that requires a trained professional. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Consultation

Your SMP journey starts with a consultation where your technician assesses your hair loss pattern, discusses your desired outcome, and determines whether shaving is necessary.

Step 2: Colour matching

A pigment is selected to match your natural hair colour and skin tone. This ensures that the results blend seamlessly with your scalp.

Step 3: Treatment sessions

SMP is done over multiple sessions (typically 2-4) to build up density and ensure a realistic finish. Each session takes 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Step 4: Healing & touch-ups

After your sessions, a short healing period is required. Some slight redness is normal, but you can resume most daily activities immediately. Touch-ups may be scheduled to refine the results.

When can I shave after SMP treatment?

If you’ve had your head shaved for SMP, you’ll need to wait at least 4-5 days before shaving again.

Why? Your scalp needs time to heal and allow the pigment to settle properly. Shaving too soon could irritate the treated area or cause the pigment to fade unevenly.

Once healed, you can maintain your look by shaving every 1-3 days (if you’re keeping the buzz cut style) or trimming as needed.

How much does SMP hair treatment cost?

The cost of scalp micropigmentation varies depending on factors such as:

• Extent of hair loss – Larger areas require more sessions.
• Number of sessions needed – Most people need 2-4 sessions.
• Experience of the SMP artist – Highly skilled practitioners may charge more.

At Foli Sim, SMP pricing typically ranges from $700 to $4,500 AUD, depending on the treatment area. A personalised consultation with one of our friendly team members will provide a tailored quote based on your specific need and level of hair loss.

Does micropigmentation hurt in any way?

Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but SMP is generally well-tolerated.

Most clients describe it as a mild discomfort rather than pain – similar to light scratching or tiny pinpricks. Some areas, like the hairline, may be more sensitive, while the crown tends to be less so.

Is micropigmentation worth it?

Absolutely! Here’s why:

• Immediate results – You’ll see visible improvement after your first session.
• Non-invasive & low maintenance – No surgery, no scarring, no daily upkeep.
• Long-lasting solution – With proper care, SMP lasts 3-5 years before requiring a touch-up.
• Restored look of hair density –A fuller-looking scalp can create a more balanced and natural appearance.

For those struggling with hair loss, SMP offers a natural, hassle-free alternative to hair transplants and other treatments.

To summarise: Do you need to shave for SMP?

The bottom line is: it depends on your hair loss and the look you’re going for.

• If you want a buzz-cut appearance, yes, shaving is required.
• If you have thinning hair and want to create density, no, you can keep your existing hair.

At Foli Sim, we offer personalised SMP solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re considering SMP for the first time or looking for expert advice, our team is here to help you achieve natural, seamless results.

Book your obligation-free consultation

Want to know if SMP is right for you? Contact Foli Sim today for a free consultation with our expert practitioners. Let’s begin your journey to a natural-looking, restored hairline!